Approaching your 70th birthday in 2025? You’re nearing a big financial milestone with Social Security. By waiting until 70 to claim benefits, you could receive up to $5,109 per month—a life-changing amount for many retirees. However, many people don’t know how to make the most of this crucial income source. The difference between claiming benefits wisely and rushing into it can mean thousands of dollars over your retirement years.
This guide simplifies Social Security for Americans turning 70 in 2025. We’ll break down key strategies, explain tricky terms, and share practical tips to help you get the biggest possible benefit.
Why Turning 70 in 2025 Is a Game-Changer for Social Security
The Power of Waiting Until 70
Age 70 is a magic number for Social Security. By delaying your claim until this age, you can significantly boost your monthly payments. For example, Samuel from Portland waited until his 70th birthday last year. He now gets almost $1,400 more per month than if he’d claimed at 62. That’s an extra $16,800 a year—enough to enjoy retirement, not just get by.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) says the maximum benefit for someone turning 70 in 2025 is $5,109 per month. This applies if you earned a high income throughout your career and wait until 70 to claim. But getting this amount isn’t automatic—you need to plan carefully.
Understanding Full Retirement Age (FRA)
What Is Full Retirement Age?
Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is when you qualify for your full Social Security benefit. For people turning 70 in 2025:
- If you were born in 1955, your FRA is 66 years and 10 months.
- If you were born in 1956 or later, your FRA is 67.
Claiming benefits before your FRA reduces your monthly payment—by up to 30% if you claim at 62. But waiting past your FRA increases your benefit by about 8% per year until age 70. This boost is called Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs).
For example, if your benefit at FRA is $3,600, waiting until 70 could raise it to $4,680 per month. Over 20 years, that’s an extra $259,200—money that can make a big difference.
How Working Affects Your Benefits
The Earnings Test Explained
If you claim Social Security before your FRA and keep working, the SSA may temporarily reduce your benefits. In 2025, if you earn more than $23,400 and haven’t reached FRA, the SSA takes $1 for every $2 you earn above this limit.
Here’s the good news: these reductions aren’t permanent. When you hit your FRA, the SSA recalculates your benefit and increases your monthly payment to make up for the withheld amounts.
Julia, a real estate agent from Miami, learned this firsthand. She claimed benefits at 63 while working part-time and saw her checks shrink. But when she reached FRA, her payment jumped by nearly $300 a month because of this recalculation.
Smart Strategies for Married Couples
Coordinating Benefits for Maximum Income
If you’re married, planning together can boost your Social Security income. One smart move is for the higher-earning spouse to delay claiming until 70 to grow their benefit. The lower-earning spouse can claim earlier to bring in some income while the bigger benefit grows.
Why does this matter? When one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse gets the higher of the two benefits. Maximizing at least one benefit ensures more financial security later.
Financial planner Marcus says couples who plan carefully can gain an average of $183,000 more in lifetime benefits compared to claiming early at 62.
Lowering Taxes on Your Benefits
How to Keep More of Your Money
Did you know up to 85% of your Social Security benefits could be taxed? It depends on your “combined income” (your regular income + tax-free interest + half your Social Security benefits). In 2025, taxes kick in if this amount is over $25,000 for singles or $32,000 for married couples.
One way to reduce taxes is to withdraw money from accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs before claiming Social Security. This lowers your income later, which can keep more of your benefits tax-free.
Robert, a retired teacher, used this strategy. By taking money out of his IRA early, he saved nearly $42,000 in taxes over his retirement.
Watch Out for WEP and GPO
Avoiding Surprises with Pensions
Two rules can reduce your benefits if you have a pension from a job that didn’t pay into Social Security, like some teaching or government jobs:
- Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): This can cut your benefit by up to $583 per month in 2025 if you have a non-Social Security pension.
- Government Pension Offset (GPO): This reduces spousal or survivor benefits by two-thirds of your pension amount, sometimes wiping them out completely.
Barbara, a former teacher, was shocked when her Social Security dropped by $500 a month because of her teacher’s pension. Checking your benefit estimate on the SSA website can help you avoid surprises like this.
Why Delaying Boosts Your COLA
Bigger Raises Over Time
Social Security benefits get a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) each year to keep up with inflation. In 2025, the COLA is 2.7%. A bigger benefit means a bigger COLA dollar amount.
For example:
- A $5,109 monthly benefit increases by about $138 with the 2025 COLA.
- A $2,500 benefit only grows by about $67.
Over time, this adds up. Waiting until 70 can nearly double your monthly benefit by age 90, helping you cover rising costs like healthcare.
Divorced? You Could Get Extra Benefits
Claiming on Your Ex’s Record
If you were married for 10+ years, divorced, and haven’t remarried, you might qualify for benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record. This doesn’t affect their benefits at all.
Janet from Arizona discovered this after her divorce. Claiming on her ex-husband’s record increased her benefit by over $900 a month—money that transformed her retirement.
To qualify, you must be at least 62, and your ex generally needs to be 62 or older. If the divorce was over two years ago, you can claim even if they haven’t filed for benefits.
A Trick for Working Retirees
Using the First-Year Earnings Test
If you claim Social Security before FRA but plan to work, the first year of retirement offers a special opportunity. The SSA uses a monthly earnings test instead of the annual one. In 2025, if you earn less than $1,950 in a month, you can get your full benefit for that month—even if your yearly income is over the limit.
Caroline, a consultant, used this rule when she claimed benefits late in the year. She received full payments for a few months because her monthly income was low, even though her annual earnings were high.
Medicare and Social Security Timing
Saving on Healthcare Costs
Most people should sign up for Medicare at 65 to avoid penalties. But if you’re still working with employer health coverage, you can delay without issues.
Your Social Security claim can also affect Medicare costs. Higher income from two years earlier can increase your Medicare premiums in 2025. For example, if your income is over $103,000 (single) or $206,000 (married), you’ll pay extra.
By managing your income—like using Roth accounts or timing withdrawals—you could save thousands on Medicare premiums.
Steps to Maximize Your Social Security in 2025
Ready to get the most from Social Security? Follow these simple steps:
- Check Your Earnings Record: Get your record from the SSA website to ensure it’s correct. Errors can lower your benefit.
- Estimate Your Benefits: Use the SSA’s detailed calculator for an accurate estimate.
- Plan as a Couple: If married, coordinate with your spouse to maximize total benefits.
- Think About Taxes: Work with an advisor to reduce taxes on your benefits.
- Consider a Specialist: A Social Security expert can help you find strategies a regular advisor might miss.
Edward, who turns 70 in 2025, found a mistake in his earnings record. Fixing it raised his benefit by $237 a month—over $2,800 a year.
The Longevity Factor
Planning for a Long Life
How long you live affects your Social Security strategy. If you claim at 62, you’ll need to live past age 80-82 to “break even” compared to waiting until 70. With many people living into their 80s or 90s, delaying often pays off.
Social Security is a rare income source that lasts your whole life and adjusts for inflation. Maximizing it protects you from running out of money later, especially as costs like healthcare rise.
Conclusion: Secure Your Retirement with Smart Social Security Choices
Turning 70 in 2025 is your chance to unlock the full potential of Social Security—up to $5,109 per month. By understanding your options, delaying benefits strategically, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can boost your retirement income by thousands each year. Whether you’re single, married, or divorced, planning now ensures financial security and peace of mind for the years ahead.
Start today by checking your SSA record and exploring your claiming options. A little effort now can mean a lot more comfort in retirement.